Australia politics live: Haines’s first words after waking were of concern for staff and bystanders; restrained start to question time

<p>Follow live updates</p><ul><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily political email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p><strong>Steggall calls for civility and respect</strong></p><p>Independent MP <strong>Zali Steggall</strong> has called for more respect in times of disagreement, telling ABC that leadership and words matter.</p><p><em>We absolutely need to make sure there is more civility and respect.</em></p><p><em>Social media is a platform where they can send abuse and threats through direct messages, call my electorate office, or send pretty revolting stuff</em></p><p><em>It’s just quite shocking how disconnected from manners and reality sometimes people get when they launch into their diatribes and make threats.</em></p><p><em>There’s been a lot of money and a lot of effort and a lot of thought going into security here at Parliament House.</em></p><p><em>I think the vulnerability is actually when we’re out doing our job in the community, and that’s probably where we need to put the focus.</em></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/oct/26/australia-politics-live-helen-haines-tribute-anthony-albanese-labor-liberal-one-nation-pauline-hanson-angus-taylor-question-time-senate-estimates-ntwnfb">Continue reading...</a>